An important public transport milestone was reached this month with the signing of a new partnership between TransLink and Via for the development of demand responsive public transport services in Queensland, Australia.

As part of the partnership, most current and future on-demand transport services will be powered by technology from Via and will complement existing public transport services while introducing flexible and dynamic transport offerings.

Head of TransLink Matt Longland said the technology behind pre-booked and shared services was critical to deliver efficient and customer focused services, and the new partnership with Via would accelerate delivery across the network.

"On-demand services are a complementary form of public transport, filling the gap in the mobility spectrum between a regular service bus route and a variable, highly-personalized service offered by taxis or other booked hire services,” said Longland. “Innovative, on-demand public transport doesn't just happen, and our partnership with Via is the first step toward delivering an integrated technology solution that meets service needs and customer expectations."

Demand-responsive transport in Queensland currently operates in Ipswich, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba, Logan, and Mt. Tamborine, with two more services announced for Nerang and Helensvale. Unlike traditional bus networks that rely on routes and schedules, demand-responsive public transport allows passenger flexibility, with varying service models operating in different locations.

Via has been tapped by cities and transportation operators around the world to use software solutions to re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic network. Via now has more than 150 launched partnerships in more than 25 countries using on-demand solutions to reimagine transport. In addition to Via’s partnership with TransLink, the company has a growing footprint in Australia and New Zealand, including services in Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, Auckland, Canberra, and Timaru.